Who needs an islet or a pancreas transplant?

Referral Criteria – whole pancreas transplant

Patients wanting to be considered for a pancreas transplantation are referred by their treating Nephrologist to one of the 3 transplanting centres for assessment (Westmead, Monash, Auckland). A physician and a surgeon will then arrange to meet and assess the potential patient, either at the transplant centre, or at a clinic local to the patient.

Inclusion criteria for referral for assessment for possible transplantation are in accordance with the Transplant Society of Australia and New Zealand (TSANZ) guidelines. The current criteria include:

  1. Type I diabetes with insulin dependence;
  2. GFR <30 mL/min
  3. Absence of significant cardiac disease, or adequately treated cardiac
  4. Disease Patent iliac vessels bilaterally
  5. BMI <35 kg/m2
  6. Age ideally <50 years (unless medically fit)

Referral Criteria – islet transplant

Patient wanting to be considered for an islet cell transplant are referred by their endocrinologist (diabetes doctor) to one of 3 transplanting centres in Australia (Westmead, St Vincent’s in Melbourne and the Royal Adelaide Hospital). Transplant clinicians at will, then arrange to meet and assess the potential patient at the transplant centre.

Inclusion criteria for referral for assessment for possible islet transplant are in accordance with the Transplant Society of Australia and New Zealand. The current criteria include:

  1. Type 1 diabetes for five years or more
  2. Severe hypoglycaemic unawareness (documented blood sugar level <3mmol/l without awareness) that has not responded to optimal conventional insulin therapy, as assessed by an endocrinologist
  3. Age >18
  4. Creatinine clearance >75 mL/min/1.73m2
  5. Serum creatinine <130 umol/L
  6. 24 hour urine protein estimation <300 mg/day
  7. Weight ideally <80 kg
  8. The patient has read and signed the islet-specific informed consent form
  9. Absence of donor reactive antibodies by Luminex and negative cytotoxic crossmatch
  10. Willingness to use effective contraception measures
  11. Ability to understand the protocol and provide informed consent

The full criteria and other governance policies can be viewed here

If you think you may benefit from an islet or a pancreases transplant and meet the criteria above please speak to your diabetes and kidney doctors about a referral for assessment.

Inquiries or comments should be directed to the Registry Secretariat at:
Australia and New Zealand Islet and Pancreas Transplant Registry
A6c, Locked Bag 4001,
Westmead NSW 2145 Australia
T: 61 2 9845 8603
F: 61 2 9633 9351
Email: info@anziptr.org